US20160153889A1 - Imaging system - Google Patents
Imaging system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160153889A1 US20160153889A1 US14/947,058 US201514947058A US2016153889A1 US 20160153889 A1 US20160153889 A1 US 20160153889A1 US 201514947058 A US201514947058 A US 201514947058A US 2016153889 A1 US2016153889 A1 US 2016153889A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- authority
- imaging
- terminal devices
- state
- functions
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 318
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 143
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 22
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 21
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 17
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000010191 image analysis Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 5
- 102000053602 DNA Human genes 0.000 description 4
- 108020004414 DNA Proteins 0.000 description 4
- 230000005284 excitation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 102000004169 proteins and genes Human genes 0.000 description 4
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 description 4
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001962 electrophoresis Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920002477 rna polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003321 amplification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012217 deletion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037430 deletion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000799 fluorescence microscopy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012252 genetic analysis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005283 ground state Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000003199 nucleic acid amplification method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002894 organic compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/62—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light
- G01N21/63—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited
- G01N21/64—Fluorescence; Phosphorescence
- G01N21/645—Specially adapted constructive features of fluorimeters
- G01N21/6456—Spatial resolved fluorescence measurements; Imaging
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/01—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/02—Details
- G01J3/0205—Optical elements not provided otherwise, e.g. optical manifolds, diffusers, windows
- G01J3/0208—Optical elements not provided otherwise, e.g. optical manifolds, diffusers, windows using focussing or collimating elements, e.g. lenses or mirrors; performing aberration correction
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/02—Details
- G01J3/0205—Optical elements not provided otherwise, e.g. optical manifolds, diffusers, windows
- G01J3/0237—Adjustable, e.g. focussing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/02—Details
- G01J3/0264—Electrical interface; User interface
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/02—Details
- G01J3/027—Control of working procedures of a spectrometer; Failure detection; Bandwidth calculation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/02—Details
- G01J3/0291—Housings; Spectrometer accessories; Spatial arrangement of elements, e.g. folded path arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/28—Investigating the spectrum
- G01J3/44—Raman spectrometry; Scattering spectrometry ; Fluorescence spectrometry
- G01J3/4406—Fluorescence spectrometry
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/62—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light
- G01N21/63—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited
- G01N21/64—Fluorescence; Phosphorescence
- G01N21/6428—Measuring fluorescence of fluorescent products of reactions or of fluorochrome labelled reactive substances, e.g. measuring quenching effects, using measuring "optrodes"
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/75—Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated
- G01N21/76—Chemiluminescence; Bioluminescence
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
- G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
- G01N35/00871—Communications between instruments or with remote terminals
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/28—Investigating the spectrum
- G01J3/44—Raman spectrometry; Scattering spectrometry ; Fluorescence spectrometry
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/01—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
- G01N2021/0106—General arrangement of respective parts
- G01N2021/0118—Apparatus with remote processing
- G01N2021/0125—Apparatus with remote processing with stored program or instructions
- G01N2021/0131—Apparatus with remote processing with stored program or instructions being externally stored
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/01—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
- G01N2021/0162—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation using microprocessors for control of a sequence of operations, e.g. test, powering, switching, processing
- G01N2021/0175—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation using microprocessors for control of a sequence of operations, e.g. test, powering, switching, processing for selecting operating means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/01—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
- G01N2021/0181—Memory or computer-assisted visual determination
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/62—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light
- G01N21/63—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited
- G01N21/64—Fluorescence; Phosphorescence
- G01N21/6428—Measuring fluorescence of fluorescent products of reactions or of fluorochrome labelled reactive substances, e.g. measuring quenching effects, using measuring "optrodes"
- G01N2021/6439—Measuring fluorescence of fluorescent products of reactions or of fluorochrome labelled reactive substances, e.g. measuring quenching effects, using measuring "optrodes" with indicators, stains, dyes, tags, labels, marks
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an imaging system including an imaging device which photoelectrically reads fluorescence or chemiluminescence emitted from an object to image the object, and a plurality of terminal devices which output control information for controlling the imaging device to the imaging device.
- imaging devices in which an object is arranged in a housing and irradiates the object with light using a light source provided in the housing to image the object have been used in various fields.
- an imaging device which selectively uses an imaging method primarily according to the type of object, and images chemiluminescence, fluorescence, or reflected light from an object, or transmitted light transmitted through the object by an imaging element to generate an image has been disclosed.
- JP2014-010136A discloses a system in which an imaging device is used by multiple users, and suggests that, when there are use requests for the imaging device from multiple users, imaging processing or image analysis processing is performed according to the use request of each user according to a priority set in advance.
- a method in which each user plans the creation time of the sample, reserves the use time of the imaging device in advance, and uses the imaging device according to the reserved time is considered.
- the creation of the sample may not be performed as planned. Since a user plans this case and reserves a somewhat long use time, this is considered to deteriorate the use efficiency of the imaging device.
- the imaging time exposure time
- JP2004-021554A discloses that, when multiple users uses one multi-function machine, the access level of each user is restricted; however, when multiple users use the imaging device described above, each user cannot perform imaging at an appropriate timing, and there is no disclosure of a method which efficiently uses the imaging device.
- JP2013-165328A discloses that, in a multi-function machine accessible from multiple users, a function setting item which is set by a predetermined user cannot be set by other users; however, when multiple users use the imaging device described above, each user cannot perform imaging at an appropriate timing, and there is no disclosure of a method which efficiently uses the imaging device.
- An object of the invention is to provide an imaging system which includes an imaging device to be used by multiple users and is capable of allowing each user to perform imaging at an appropriate timing and efficiently using the imaging device, in consideration of the problems described above.
- An imaging system of the invention includes an imaging device which photoelectrically reads fluorescence or chemiluminescence emitted from an object to image the object, a plurality of terminal devices which output control information for controlling the imaging device to the imaging device, and an authorization unit which gives the respective terminal devices an authority to specify controllable functions of the imaging device.
- the authorization unit switches between a first state where the respective terminal devices are given a first authority to exclusively occupy a part of functions of the imaging device and to bring the part of functions into a controllable state and a second state where one terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices is given a second authority to exclusively occupy and control the part of functions and to release the occupation, and the terminal devices other than one terminal device are given a third authority with the restriction of the control of the part of functions.
- the first authority may include an authority capable of receiving a first instruction operation to exclusively occupy a part of functions of the imaging device and to bring the part of functions into a controllable state, and the authorization unit may switch from the first state to the second state when receiving the first instruction operation.
- the third authority does not include an authority capable of receiving the first instruction operation.
- the second authority may include an authority capable of receiving a second instruction operation to release the occupation of the part of functions, and the authorization unit may switch from the second state to the first state when receiving the second instruction operation.
- the part of functions may be a function of imaging.
- the authorization unit may give a specific terminal device other than terminal devices given the second authority a fourth authority including an authority to release the occupation of the part of functions by the terminal device given the second authority in the second state.
- the fourth authority may include an authority capable of receiving a third instruction operation to release the occupation of the part of functions, and the authorization unit may switch from the second state to the first state when receiving the third instruction operation.
- the authorization unit may give the specific terminal device a fifth authority in the first state, and the fifth authority may include an authority to give the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device a sixth authority with the restriction of controllable functions further than the third authority.
- the fifth authority may include an authority capable of receiving a fourth instruction operation to give the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device the sixth authority, and the authorization unit may switch to a third state where the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device are given the sixth authority when receiving the fourth instruction operation in the first state.
- the authorization unit may give the specific terminal device a seventh authority in the third state, and the seventh authority may include an authority to release the restriction of the controllable functions in the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
- the fifth authority may include an authority capable of receiving a fifth instruction operation to release the restriction of the controllable functions in the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device, and the authorization unit may give the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device the first authority when receiving the fifth instruction operation in the third state.
- the fifth authority may include an authority to prohibit the control of the imaging device by the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
- the fourth instruction operation may be an instruction operation to prohibit the control of the imaging device by the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
- the fifth instruction operation may be an instruction operation to release the prohibition of the control of the imaging device by the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
- the authorization unit which gives the respective terminal devices an authority to specify the controllable functions of the imaging device.
- the authorization unit sets the first state where the respective terminal devices are given a first authority to exclusively occupy a part of functions of the imaging device and to bring the part of functions into a controllable state, and switches to the second state where one terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices is given a second authority to exclusively occupy and control the part of functions and to release the occupation, and the terminal devices other than one terminal device are given a third authority with the restriction of the control of the part of functions.
- the authority given to each terminal device is switched from the first state to the second state, whereby the users of the terminal devices given the second authority can execute the part of functions at an appropriate timing without being affected or obstructed by other terminal devices. That is, the imaging function can be executed at an appropriate timing.
- the authority given to each terminal device when the occupation state of the part of functions is released, the authority given to each terminal device can be returned from the second state to the first state; therefore, the users of other terminal devices can exclusively occupy and control the part of functions quickly, and as a result, the use efficiency of the imaging device can be improved.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an imaging system using an embodiment of an imaging device of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the imaging device in the imaging system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing the internal configuration of the imaging device in the imaging system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the imaging device in the imaging system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a file operation screen.
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of first to sixth terminal devices.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where the first to sixth terminal devices are given a first authority when the imaging device is not controlled by the terminal devices.
- FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the first to sixth terminal devices given the first authority.
- FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state where the first terminal device is given a second authority, the second to fifth terminal devices are given a third authority, and the sixth terminal device is given a fourth authority.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the first terminal device given the second authority.
- FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the second to fifth terminal devices given the third authority.
- FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the sixth terminal device given the fourth authority.
- FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state where the first to fifth terminal devices are given the first authority and the sixth terminal device is given a fifth authority.
- FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the sixth terminal device given the fifth authority.
- FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state where the first to fifth terminal devices are given a sixth authority and the sixth terminal device is given the seventh authority.
- FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the first to fifth terminal devices given the sixth authority.
- FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the sixth terminal device given a seventh authority.
- FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a terminal device.
- FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on terminal devices when there are a plurality of imaging devices.
- FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of list display of imaging devices displayed on terminal devices when there are a plurality of imaging devices.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the imaging system of this embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the imaging device in the imaging system shown in FIG. 1
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the internal configuration of an imaging device body shown in FIG. 2
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the imaging device shown in FIG. 2 .
- the imaging system of this embodiment includes an imaging device 1 , first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 , a network server 8 , and a storage device 9 .
- the imaging device 1 photoelectrically reads fluorescence or chemiluminescence emitted from an object placed in the imaging device 1 to image the object, and the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 output control information to the imaging device 1 and control the imaging function of the imaging device 1 .
- the imaging device 1 of this embodiment operates based on the control information output from the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 , that is, is shared and used by multiple users.
- the network server 8 and the storage device 9 temporarily store an electronic file (hereinafter, simply referred to as a file) including an image captured by the imaging device 1 .
- the imaging device 1 includes an imaging device body 10 and an imaging control device 100 .
- the imaging device body 10 includes a housing 12 having a door 14 , a stage 16 on which an object S is placed, an imaging unit 20 , a lens unit 22 , an epi-illumination light source unit 24 , a transmission light source unit 26 , and an object observation monitor 50 .
- the housing 12 has a hollow portion 18 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and constitutes a black box where external light does not enter the hollow portion 18 .
- the stage 16 on which the object S is placed is provided inside the housing 12 .
- the door 14 shown in FIG. 2 is provided openably in the housing 12 , and a user opens the door 14 , places the object S on the stage 16 , and then closes the door 14 , thereby storing the object S in the housing 12 .
- the stage 16 is formed of a material which transmits light from the transmission light source unit 26 .
- the imaging unit 20 is fixed to the top surface of the housing 12 , includes, for example, an imaging element, such as a cooling charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and detects light reflected by the object S, fluorescence or chemiluminescence emitted from the object S, and light transmitted through the object S to generate an image signal.
- an imaging element such as a cooling charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor
- CCD cooling charge coupled device
- CMOS complementary metal-oxide semiconductor
- the lens unit 22 is attached to the imaging unit 20 .
- the lens unit 22 includes, for example, a plurality of lenses, and the lenses are provided movably in an arrow Z direction in order to focus on the object S.
- the lens unit 22 includes, for example, optical elements, such as a diaphragm and an excitation light cut filter, and adjusts the amount or wavelength of light to be detected.
- the epi-illumination light source unit 24 and the transmission light source unit 26 respectively have, for example, an excitation light source and a white light source for fluorescence imaging, and the light sources are switched under the control of the imaging control device 100 as necessary.
- the object S when performing imaging to detect fluorescence emitted from the fluorescence-labeled object S, the object S is irradiated with excitation light from the epi-illumination light source unit 24 or the transmission light source unit 26 , when performing imaging to detect reflected light from the object S, the object S is irradiated with white light from the epi-illumination light source unit 24 , and when performing imaging to detect transmitted light transmitted through the object S, the object S is irradiated with white light from the transmission light source unit 26 .
- the object observation monitor 50 displays a state on the stage 16 which is imaged by a small camera (not shown) provided in the upper portion of the housing 12 . With this, it is possible to confirm the position of the object S placed on the stage 16 or the height of the stage 16 , and to adjust the position of the object or the height of the stage such that the object S is placed suitably for imaging.
- the imaging device body 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described above, and can perform imaging by four imaging methods according to the type of object or the purpose of imaging.
- the four imaging methods include an imaging method (hereinafter, referred to as a first imaging method) which detects chemiluminescence emitted from the object, an imaging method (hereinafter, referred to as a second imaging method) which detects fluorescence emitted from the object, an imaging method (hereinafter, referred to as a third imaging method) which detects reflected light reflected by the object, and an imaging method (hereinafter, referred to as a fourth imaging method) which detects transmitted light transmitted through the object.
- a first imaging method which detects chemiluminescence emitted from the object
- an imaging method hereinafter, referred to as a second imaging method
- an imaging method hereinafter, referred to as a third imaging method
- an imaging method hereinafter, referred to as a fourth imaging method which detects transmitted light transmitted through the object.
- the first imaging method when an object molecule excited by a chemical reaction returns to a ground state, a phenomenon (chemiluminescence) of energy being discharged as light is used.
- a phenomenon chemiluminescence
- genetic analysis, inspection and research of a biological tissue relating to diseases and aging, deterioration evaluation of organic compounds and polymer compounds, and the like can be performed.
- a substance to be imaged in the object is labeled with a labeling substance which generates chemiluminescence if coming into contact with a chemiluminescent substrate, and thereafter, the chemiluminescent substrate is brought into contact with the labeling substance, whereby chemiluminescence can be generated.
- light irradiation from the epi-illumination light source unit 24 and the transmission light source unit 26 is not performed.
- excitation light from the epi-illumination light source unit 24 or the transmission light source unit 26 is irradiated, and fluorescence from a fluorescent substance labeling a substance to be imaged in the object is detected.
- a gel support including a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) segment fluorescence-labeled and separated by electrophoresis is given. If the imaging device 1 of this embodiment is used, the distribution of the DNA segment in the gel support can be imaged and analyzed.
- the third imaging method for example, white light is irradiated from the epi-illumination light source unit 24 as illumination light, and reflected light of illumination light by the object is detected. With this, a digital image can be obtained by photoelectrically reading a reflective original, such as a photograph.
- white light is irradiated from the transmission light source unit 26 as illumination light, and transmitted light of illumination light transmitted through the object is detected. With this, a digital image can be obtained by photoelectrically reading a transmissive original, such as a film.
- the imaging control device 100 is constituted of, for example, a personal computer, and includes a control device body 102 , an input unit 104 , and a display unit 106 .
- the imaging control device 100 controls the operations of the imaging unit 20 , the epi-illumination light source unit 24 , and the transmission light source unit 26 of the imaging device body 10 to control the imaging function of the object S described above.
- the imaging control device 100 has an analysis function of analyzing an image captured by the imaging unit 20 and a file operation function of a file including an image captured by the imaging unit 20 . The analysis function and the file operation function will be described below in detail.
- control device body 102 includes an image processing unit 108 , an image analysis unit 110 , a file operation unit 112 , a terminal recognition unit 114 , and a control unit 116 .
- the image processing unit 108 receives an image signal output from the imaging unit 20 as input, and subjects the image signal to, for example, signal processing, such as noise elimination processing or sharpness processing.
- the image analysis unit 110 executes the analysis function described above, and analyzes an image of chemiluminescence captured by the first imaging method or an image of fluorescence captured by the second imaging method.
- the image analysis unit 110 acquires, for example, an image obtained by imaging chemiluminescence or fluorescence of DNA separated by electrophoresis, RNA (ribonucleic acid), or protein, acquires feature quantities, such as the position of a band in the image, the concentration of the band, and the size of the band, and analyzes the feature quantities.
- the molecular weight of protein can be determined by the position of the band, and the expression amount of protein can be determined by the concentration and size of the band.
- a method of image analysis is not limited thereto, and other known methods can be used.
- the file operation unit 112 executes the file operation function described above, stores a file including an image captured by the imaging unit 20 , and performs a file operation of the stored file.
- Information of the file stored in the file operation unit 112 is output to the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 shown in FIG. 1 , and the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 display the input information of the file.
- the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 receive an instruction input of a file operation from the user, and each file stored in the file operation unit 112 is subjected to a file operation based on control information output from the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 .
- Examples of the file operation include file copy, move, delete, rename, and the like. Hereinafter, the file operation will be described in detail.
- the file operation is executed when a “FILE OPERATION” key K 3 described below is depressed by the user in the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 . If the file operation function is executed, the control unit 116 of the imaging device 1 acquires information of a file name stored in the file operation unit 112 , and outputs information of the file name to the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 .
- the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 receive information of the file name output from the imaging device 1 and display a file operation screen S 0 shown in FIG. 5 based on the received information of the file name.
- the file operation screen S 0 is displayed on a touch panel 201 (see FIG. 6 ) of each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 described below.
- a file name display column FL in which file names are listed and displayed a “DELETE” key K 20 which receives an input of an instruction to delete a file
- a “RENAME” key K 21 which receives an input of an instruction to change a file name
- a “COPY/MOVE” key K 22 which receives an input of an instruction to move and copy a file
- an “OPEN” key K 23 which receives an input of an instruction to open a file are displayed.
- a predetermined file name is selected by the user, and a file operation is performed for the selected file.
- a file operation is performed for the selected file.
- the selected file name and deletion information are output from the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 to the imaging device 1 .
- the file operation unit 112 of the imaging device 1 deletes the selected file according to the input information.
- a movement destination designation screen on which a movement destination of a copied file is designated is displayed on the touch panel 201 of each of the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 , and the designation of the movement destination by the user is received.
- the movement destination of the copied file is, for example, a predetermined drive or folder in the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 , a predetermined drive or folder in the network server 8 and the storage device 9 connected to the imaging device 1 , or the like.
- the selected file name and information of the movement destination are output from the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 to the imaging device 1 .
- the file operation unit 112 of the imaging device 1 reads the selected file to create a copy and transfers the copied file to the designated movement destination according to the input information.
- the selected file name is output from the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 to the imaging device 1 .
- the file operation unit 112 of the imaging device 1 reads the selected file to create a copy and transfers the copied file to the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 according to the input information. Then, the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 open the transferred file and display an image on the touch panel 201 . When a file which has already been transferred to the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 is selected, the transfer described above is not performed, and the selected file is opened.
- the terminal recognition unit 114 recognizes the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 shown in FIG. 1 individually. Specifically, the terminal recognition unit 114 has a wireless communication function, acquires identification information of each terminal device output from each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 through wireless communication, and recognizes the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 individually based on the identification information. As the identification information, a media access control address (MAC address) may be used. Each terminal device may be recognized using a dedicated password or the like. The terminal recognition unit 114 receives control information output from the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 through wireless communication and outputs the control information to the control unit 116 .
- MAC address media access control address
- the control unit 116 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and the like.
- the control unit 116 integrally controls the operations of the imaging device body 10 and the imaging control device 100 .
- control unit 116 of this embodiment receives the control information output from the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 , and controls the imaging function of the imaging device body 10 and the image analysis function and the file operation function of the imaging control device 100 based on the received control information.
- the control unit 116 includes an authorization unit 117 .
- the authorization unit 117 gives each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 an authority to specify a function controllable by each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 .
- the function controllable by each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 is limited within the range of the authority given by the authorization unit 117 .
- the function controllable by each authority will be described below in detail.
- the control unit 116 of this embodiment recognizes the execution states of the above-described imaging function, the analysis function, and the file operation function by each terminal device in real time based on recognition information of each terminal device recognized by the terminal recognition unit 114 and the received control information, and displays the recognition result on the touch panel 201 of each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 .
- the display unit 106 includes, for example, a display device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or a liquid crystal display, and displays an image captured by the imaging unit 20 , or the like. Similarly to the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 , the display unit 106 displays file information stored in the file operation unit 112 .
- a display device such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or a liquid crystal display
- the input unit 104 includes input devices, such as a mouse and a keyboard. The user performs various settings of the respective units of the imaging device body 10 and the imaging control device 100 using the input unit 104 .
- the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 are constituted of, for example, tablet terminals.
- the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 receive an operation instruction input of the imaging device 1 from the user and output the control information to the imaging device 1 based on the received operation instruction input.
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 .
- the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 include the touch panel 201 , an imaging device recognition unit 202 , and a control unit 203 .
- the touch panel 201 displays an operation instruction input screen on which an operation instruction input of the imaging device 1 from the user is received, and receives an instruction input of the above-described imaging function, the analysis function, and the file operation function on the operation instruction input screen.
- the operation instruction input screen will be described below in detail.
- the imaging device recognition unit 202 recognizes the imaging device 1 and outputs control information according to the operation instruction input from the user to the imaging device 1 .
- the imaging device recognition unit 202 has a wireless communication function, recognizes the imaging device 1 through wireless communication, and outputs the control information.
- the imaging device recognition unit 202 acquires information of the execution state of the imaging function, the analysis function, and the file operation function in the imaging device 1 .
- the control unit 203 integrally controls the operation of the terminal device.
- the control unit 203 outputs the control information according to the operation instruction input from the user to the imaging device recognition unit 202 .
- the control unit 203 includes a display control unit 204 , and the display control unit 204 displays the operation instruction input screen described above on the touch panel 201 .
- the display control unit 204 displays the execution state of the function in each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 in the imaging device 1 acquired by the imaging device recognition unit 202 on the touch panel 201 in real time.
- the display control by the display control unit 204 will be described below in detail.
- tablet terminals are used as the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7
- the invention is not limited thereto, and a personal computer connected through a wireless communication line or a wired communication line, such as a local area network (LAN), may be used.
- a wireless communication line or a wired communication line such as a local area network (LAN)
- the network server 8 is a data server which is designated as a movement destination of a file stored in the file operation unit 112 of the imaging device 1 , and is connected to the imaging device 1 through a wireless communication line or a wired communication line.
- the storage device 9 is also a storage medium which is designated as a movement destination of a file stored in the file operation unit 112 of the imaging device 1 , and is constituted of, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) memory, a USB hard disk, or the like.
- USB universal serial bus
- the imaging system of this embodiment has a feature in that each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 is authorized by the authorization unit 117 , and description will be provided focusing on this feature.
- the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 are given a first authority.
- the state of the authorization in each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 shown in FIG. 7 is hereinafter referred to as a first state.
- the first authority is an authority capable of allowing the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 to exclusively occupy the imaging function of the imaging device 1 and to bring the imaging function into a controllable state.
- an operation instruction input screen S 1 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the touch panel 201 of each of the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 .
- An “IMAGING” key K 1 which receives an instruction to execute the imaging function
- an “ANALYSIS” key K 2 which receives an instruction to execute the analysis function
- a “FILE OPERATION” key K 3 which receives an instruction to execute the file operation
- a “PRIORITY USE START” key K 4 which receives an input of a priority use of the imaging function are displayed on the operation instruction input screen S 1 .
- the “IMAGING” key K 1 , the “ANALYSIS” key K 2 , and the “FILE OPERATION” key K 3 are grayed out, and the reception of the operation instruction inputs using these keys is disabled.
- the “PRIORITY USE START” key K 4 is depressed by the user (corresponding to a first instruction operation of the invention)
- the “IMAGING” key K 1 , the “ANALYSIS” key K 2 , and the “FILE OPERATION” key K 3 of the terminal device are active-displayed, the operation instruction inputs of these functions are enabled, and next, if the “IMAGING” key K 1 is depressed by the user, the imaging function of the imaging device 1 is held by the terminal device.
- the control unit 203 of the first terminal device 2 For example, if the “PRIORITY USE START” key K 4 and the “IMAGING” key K 1 are depressed in the first terminal device 2 , the control unit 203 of the first terminal device 2 generates control information for controlling the imaging function. Then, the control information for controlling the imaging function and the identification information of the first terminal device 2 are output from the imaging device recognition unit 202 of the first terminal device 2 to the imaging device 1 .
- the imaging device 1 executes the imaging function if the control information of the imaging function output from the first terminal device 2 is received.
- the first terminal device 2 is given a second authority
- the second to fifth terminal devices 3 to 6 are given a third authority
- the sixth terminal device 7 is given a fourth authority.
- the state of the authorization in each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 shown in FIG. 9 is hereinafter referred to as a second state.
- the second authority is an authority capable of exclusively occupying and controlling the imaging function as described above and releasing the occupation.
- an operation instruction input screen S 2 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the touch panel 201 of the first terminal device 2 given the second authority.
- the “IMAGING” key K 1 which is being already executed is grayed out, the “ANALYSIS” key K 2 and the “FILE OPERATION” key K 3 are active-displayed, and the reception of the operation instruction inputs of these keys is enabled.
- the “PRIORITY USE START” key K 4 is changed to a “PRIORITY USE END” key K 6 . If the “PRIORITY USE END” key K 6 is depressed by the user (corresponding to a second instruction operation of the invention), the occupation of the imaging function in the first terminal device 2 is released. On the right side of the “IMAGING” key K 1 , a message of “USER 1 IS USING” indicating that a first user executes the imaging function of the imaging device 1 using the first terminal device 2 is displayed. This message is displayed based on information of the execution state of the function of the imaging device 1 output from the control unit 116 of the imaging device 1 .
- the third authority given to the second to fifth terminal devices 3 to 6 is an authority with the restriction of the control of the imaging function held by the first terminal device 2 .
- an operation instruction input screen S 3 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the touch panel 201 of each of the second to fifth terminal devices 3 to 6 given the third authority.
- the “IMAGING” key K 1 which is being already executed by the first terminal device 2 is grayed out, the “ANALYSIS” key K 2 and the “FILE OPERATION” key K 3 are active-displayed, and the reception of the operation instruction inputs of these keys is enabled.
- a message of “USER 1 IS USING” indicating that the first user executes the imaging function of the imaging device 1 using the first terminal device 2 is displayed. That is, the second to fifth terminal devices 3 to 6 given the third authority cannot execute the imaging function which is being executed by the first terminal device 2 , but can execute the analysis function and the file operation function.
- the imaging function in the first terminal device 2 and the analysis function or the file operation function in the second to fifth terminal devices 3 to 6 are executed in parallel.
- the “PRIORITY USE START” key K 4 is not changed to the “PRIORITY USE END” key K 6 , and is non-displayed. That is, the second to fifth terminal devices 3 to 6 cannot release the occupation of the imaging function in the first terminal device 2 , and cannot receive the operation instruction input of “PRIORITY USE START”.
- the fourth authority given to the sixth terminal device 7 is an authority capable of releasing the occupation state of the imaging function in the first terminal device 2 given the second authority, in addition to the third authority described above.
- the sixth terminal device 7 given the fourth authority is given an authority capable of releasing the occupation state of the imaging function in the first terminal device 2 other than the sixth terminal device 7 , and this is because a case where, for example, in a state where the imaging function is held by the first terminal device 2 , the user of the terminal device forgets to release the occupation is considered.
- a specific terminal device among a plurality of terminal devices connected to the imaging device 1 is given the fourth authority described above, and the occupation state is forcibly releasable by the specific terminal device.
- an operation instruction input screen S 4 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the touch panel 201 of the sixth terminal device 7 given the fourth authority.
- the “IMAGING” key K 1 which is being already executed by the first terminal device is grayed out
- the “ANALYSIS” key K 2 and the “FILE OPERATION” key K 3 are active-displayed, and the reception of the operation instruction inputs of these keys is enabled.
- a message of “USER 1 IS USING” indicating that the first user executes the imaging function of the imaging device 1 using the first terminal device 2 is displayed.
- the sixth terminal device 7 given the fourth authority cannot execute the imaging function which is being executed by the first terminal device 2 , but can execute the analysis function and the file operation function.
- the sixth terminal device 7 when the “ANALYSIS” key K 2 or the “FILE OPERATION” key K 3 is depressed by the user, the imaging function in the first terminal device 2 and the analysis function or the file operation function in the sixth terminal device 7 are executed in parallel.
- the “PRIORITY USE START” key K 4 is changed to the “PRIORITY USE END” key K 6 . If the “PRIORITY USE END” key K 6 is depressed by the user, the occupation of the imaging function in the first terminal device 2 is released.
- the second state is switched to the first state described above. That is, as shown in FIG. 7 , the second state is switched to a state where the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 are given the first authority, and the occupation of the imaging function in one terminal device among the first to sixth terminal devices 2 to 7 is enabled.
- the user of the terminal device given the second authority can execute the imaging function at an appropriate timing without being affected or obstructed by other terminal devices.
- the terminal device given the second authority when the occupation state of the imaging function is released, an authority which is given to each terminal device can be returned from the second state to the first state, the users of other terminal devices can exclusively occupy the imaging function and can bring the imaging function into a controllable state quickly, and as a result, the use efficiency of the imaging device can be improved.
- the execution state of the imaging function of other terminal devices is displayed in each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 , even at a place where the user of each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 is separated from the imaging device 1 , the execution state of the imaging function can be understood immediately, and as a result, the start of the priority use of the imaging function can be performed quickly. Therefore, the use efficiency of the imaging device can be improved.
- the second to sixth terminal devices 3 to 7 may receive the input of the “PRIORITY USE START” key K 4 to exclusively occupy the imaging function.
- the sixth terminal device 7 is given the first authority in the first state and is given the fourth authority in the second state, as shown in FIG. 13 , a fifth authority may be given in the first state.
- the fifth authority is an authority which includes an authority to give the first to fifth terminal devices 2 to 6 given the first authority a sixth authority to prohibit the use of the imaging device 1 , in addition to the first authority.
- an operation instruction input screen S 5 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the touch panel 201 of the sixth terminal device 7 given the fifth authority.
- the “IMAGING” key K 1 , the “ANALYSIS” key K 2 , and the “FILE OPERATION” key K 3 are grayed out.
- the “PRIORITY USE START” key K 4 and a “USE PROHIBITION” key K 5 are displayed.
- the first to fifth terminal devices 2 to 6 are given the sixth authority to prohibit the use of the imaging device 1
- the sixth terminal device 7 is given a seventh authority including an authority to release the use prohibition of the imaging device 1 by the first to fifth terminal devices 2 to 6 .
- the state of the authorization in each of the terminal devices 2 to 7 shown in FIG. 15 is hereinafter referred to as a third state.
- an operation instruction input screen S 6 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the touch panel 201 of each of the first to fifth terminal devices 2 to 6 given the sixth authority.
- the “IMAGING” key K 1 , the “ANALYSIS” key K 2 , and the “FILE OPERATION” key K 3 are grayed out, and the “PRIORITY USE START” key K 4 is not displayed.
- information of the execution state of the imaging function of the sixth terminal device 7 is displayed.
- An operation instruction input screen S 7 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the touch panel 201 of the sixth terminal device 7 given the seventh authority.
- the “IMAGING” key K 1 , the “ANALYSIS” key K 2 , and the “FILE OPERATION” key K 3 become active, and the operation instruction inputs of these keys are enabled.
- the “USE PROHIBITION” key K 5 is changed to a “USE PROHIBITION RELEASE” key K 7 , and the “PRIORITY USE START” key K 4 is non-displayed.
- the number of imaging devices 1 may not necessarily be one, and the functions of a plurality of imaging devices may be controlled by a plurality of terminal devices.
- an imaging device information storage unit 205 which stores registration information of a plurality of imaging devices may be provided in each terminal device, and an imaging device recognition unit 202 may recognize a plurality of imaging devices based on the registration information.
- the control of the functions of each imaging device by a plurality of terminal devices is the same as in the embodiment described above.
- FIG. 19 shows an example of an operation instruction input screen S 8 which is displayed on each terminal device when there are a plurality of imaging devices.
- the operation instruction input screen S 8 shown in FIG. 19 is an example when there are four imaging devices, and four tags T 1 to T 4 for receiving operation instruction inputs of respective functions of respective imaging devices are displayed.
- FIG. 19 shows an operation instruction input screen when the tag T 1 is selected, and on the operation instruction input screen, an operation instruction input of each function of a first imaging device is received.
- FIG. 19 shows an operation instruction input screen when an authority given to each terminal device by the first imaging device is the first state described above.
- the tag T 2 is selected, the operation instruction input screen is changed, and an operation instruction input of each function of a second imaging device is received. In this way, the user can select an imaging device to be controlled by selecting the tags T 1 to T 4 .
- FIG. 20 shows an example of a list display screen S 9 when there are five imaging devices.
- imaging device selection keys K 10 to K 14 are displayed, and execution information of each function of each imaging device is displayed below each key. For example, execution information indicating that an imaging function and a file operation function in a first imaging device are being executed is displayed below the imaging device selection key K 10 , and execution information indicating that only an imaging function in a second imaging device is being executed is displayed below the below imaging device selection key K 11 .
- imaging device selection keys K 10 to K 14 when each of the imaging device selection keys K 10 to K 14 is depressed by the user, an operation instruction input screen of an imaging device corresponding to the imaging device selection key is displayed, execution information of the imaging device is displayed, and an operation instruction input from the user is enabled.
- imaging devices of different types may be used.
Abstract
Disclosed is an imaging system which includes an imaging device to be used by multiple users, allows each user to perform imaging at an appropriate timing, and is capable of efficiently using the imaging device. An imaging system includes an imaging device, a plurality of terminal devices, and an authorization unit which gives the terminal devices the authority to specify controllable functions of the imaging device. The authorization unit switches between a first state where the terminal devices are given a first authority to exclusively occupy a part of functions of the imaging device with a controllable state and a second state where one terminal device is given a second authority to exclusively occupy and control the part of functions and to release the occupation, and the terminal devices other than one terminal device are given a third authority with the restriction of the control of the part of functions.
Description
- The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-241018, filed on Nov. 28, 2014. Each of the above application(s) is hereby expressly incorporated by reference, in its entirety, into the present application.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to an imaging system including an imaging device which photoelectrically reads fluorescence or chemiluminescence emitted from an object to image the object, and a plurality of terminal devices which output control information for controlling the imaging device to the imaging device.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Hitherto, imaging devices in which an object is arranged in a housing and irradiates the object with light using a light source provided in the housing to image the object have been used in various fields. Among such imaging devices, an imaging device which selectively uses an imaging method primarily according to the type of object, and images chemiluminescence, fluorescence, or reflected light from an object, or transmitted light transmitted through the object by an imaging element to generate an image has been disclosed.
- Since such an imaging device is expensive, in many cases, such an imaging device is thus installed as common equipment in a research facility, and is shared and used by multiple users. For example, JP2014-010136A discloses a system in which an imaging device is used by multiple users, and suggests that, when there are use requests for the imaging device from multiple users, imaging processing or image analysis processing is performed according to the use request of each user according to a priority set in advance.
- It is necessary to image a sample to be imaged as soon as possible after creation and to reliably image the sample at an appropriate timing. However, according to the method described in JP2014-010136A, since the priority set in advance does not necessarily take the creation time of the sample into consideration, the user may not perform imaging at an appropriate timing.
- A method in which each user plans the creation time of the sample, reserves the use time of the imaging device in advance, and uses the imaging device according to the reserved time is considered.
- However, the creation of the sample may not be performed as planned. Since a user plans this case and reserves a somewhat long use time, this is considered to deteriorate the use efficiency of the imaging device. In particular, when imaging chemiluminescence or fluorescence, or the like, since chemiluminescence or fluorescence emitted from an object is feeble, the imaging time (exposure time) may be extended.
- JP2004-021554A discloses that, when multiple users uses one multi-function machine, the access level of each user is restricted; however, when multiple users use the imaging device described above, each user cannot perform imaging at an appropriate timing, and there is no disclosure of a method which efficiently uses the imaging device.
- JP2013-165328A discloses that, in a multi-function machine accessible from multiple users, a function setting item which is set by a predetermined user cannot be set by other users; however, when multiple users use the imaging device described above, each user cannot perform imaging at an appropriate timing, and there is no disclosure of a method which efficiently uses the imaging device.
- An object of the invention is to provide an imaging system which includes an imaging device to be used by multiple users and is capable of allowing each user to perform imaging at an appropriate timing and efficiently using the imaging device, in consideration of the problems described above.
- An imaging system of the invention includes an imaging device which photoelectrically reads fluorescence or chemiluminescence emitted from an object to image the object, a plurality of terminal devices which output control information for controlling the imaging device to the imaging device, and an authorization unit which gives the respective terminal devices an authority to specify controllable functions of the imaging device. The authorization unit switches between a first state where the respective terminal devices are given a first authority to exclusively occupy a part of functions of the imaging device and to bring the part of functions into a controllable state and a second state where one terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices is given a second authority to exclusively occupy and control the part of functions and to release the occupation, and the terminal devices other than one terminal device are given a third authority with the restriction of the control of the part of functions.
- In the imaging system of the invention, the first authority may include an authority capable of receiving a first instruction operation to exclusively occupy a part of functions of the imaging device and to bring the part of functions into a controllable state, and the authorization unit may switch from the first state to the second state when receiving the first instruction operation.
- It is preferable that the third authority does not include an authority capable of receiving the first instruction operation.
- The second authority may include an authority capable of receiving a second instruction operation to release the occupation of the part of functions, and the authorization unit may switch from the second state to the first state when receiving the second instruction operation.
- The part of functions may be a function of imaging.
- The authorization unit may give a specific terminal device other than terminal devices given the second authority a fourth authority including an authority to release the occupation of the part of functions by the terminal device given the second authority in the second state.
- The fourth authority may include an authority capable of receiving a third instruction operation to release the occupation of the part of functions, and the authorization unit may switch from the second state to the first state when receiving the third instruction operation.
- The authorization unit may give the specific terminal device a fifth authority in the first state, and the fifth authority may include an authority to give the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device a sixth authority with the restriction of controllable functions further than the third authority.
- The fifth authority may include an authority capable of receiving a fourth instruction operation to give the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device the sixth authority, and the authorization unit may switch to a third state where the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device are given the sixth authority when receiving the fourth instruction operation in the first state.
- The authorization unit may give the specific terminal device a seventh authority in the third state, and the seventh authority may include an authority to release the restriction of the controllable functions in the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
- The fifth authority may include an authority capable of receiving a fifth instruction operation to release the restriction of the controllable functions in the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device, and the authorization unit may give the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device the first authority when receiving the fifth instruction operation in the third state.
- The fifth authority may include an authority to prohibit the control of the imaging device by the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
- The fourth instruction operation may be an instruction operation to prohibit the control of the imaging device by the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
- The fifth instruction operation may be an instruction operation to release the prohibition of the control of the imaging device by the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
- According to the imaging system of the invention, the authorization unit which gives the respective terminal devices an authority to specify the controllable functions of the imaging device is provided. The authorization unit sets the first state where the respective terminal devices are given a first authority to exclusively occupy a part of functions of the imaging device and to bring the part of functions into a controllable state, and switches to the second state where one terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices is given a second authority to exclusively occupy and control the part of functions and to release the occupation, and the terminal devices other than one terminal device are given a third authority with the restriction of the control of the part of functions.
- The authority given to each terminal device is switched from the first state to the second state, whereby the users of the terminal devices given the second authority can execute the part of functions at an appropriate timing without being affected or obstructed by other terminal devices. That is, the imaging function can be executed at an appropriate timing.
- In the terminal devices given the second authority, when the occupation state of the part of functions is released, the authority given to each terminal device can be returned from the second state to the first state; therefore, the users of other terminal devices can exclusively occupy and control the part of functions quickly, and as a result, the use efficiency of the imaging device can be improved.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an imaging system using an embodiment of an imaging device of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the imaging device in the imaging system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing the internal configuration of the imaging device in the imaging system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the imaging device in the imaging system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a file operation screen. -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of first to sixth terminal devices. -
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where the first to sixth terminal devices are given a first authority when the imaging device is not controlled by the terminal devices. -
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the first to sixth terminal devices given the first authority. -
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state where the first terminal device is given a second authority, the second to fifth terminal devices are given a third authority, and the sixth terminal device is given a fourth authority. -
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the first terminal device given the second authority. -
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the second to fifth terminal devices given the third authority. -
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the sixth terminal device given the fourth authority. -
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state where the first to fifth terminal devices are given the first authority and the sixth terminal device is given a fifth authority. -
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the sixth terminal device given the fifth authority. -
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state where the first to fifth terminal devices are given a sixth authority and the sixth terminal device is given the seventh authority. -
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the first to fifth terminal devices given the sixth authority. -
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on the sixth terminal device given a seventh authority. -
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a terminal device. -
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an operation instruction input screen which is displayed on terminal devices when there are a plurality of imaging devices. -
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of list display of imaging devices displayed on terminal devices when there are a plurality of imaging devices. - Hereinafter, an imaging system which uses an embodiment of an imaging device and method of the invention will be described in detail referring to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the imaging system of this embodiment, andFIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the imaging device in the imaging system shown inFIG. 1 .FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the internal configuration of an imaging device body shown inFIG. 2 , andFIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the imaging device shown inFIG. 2 . - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the imaging system of this embodiment includes animaging device 1, first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7, anetwork server 8, and astorage device 9. - The
imaging device 1 photoelectrically reads fluorescence or chemiluminescence emitted from an object placed in theimaging device 1 to image the object, and the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 output control information to theimaging device 1 and control the imaging function of theimaging device 1. Theimaging device 1 of this embodiment operates based on the control information output from the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7, that is, is shared and used by multiple users. - The
network server 8 and thestorage device 9 temporarily store an electronic file (hereinafter, simply referred to as a file) including an image captured by theimaging device 1. - First, the
imaging device 1 will be described in detail. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , theimaging device 1 includes animaging device body 10 and animaging control device 100. - The
imaging device body 10 includes ahousing 12 having adoor 14, astage 16 on which an object S is placed, animaging unit 20, alens unit 22, an epi-illuminationlight source unit 24, a transmissionlight source unit 26, and an object observation monitor 50. - The
housing 12 has ahollow portion 18 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and constitutes a black box where external light does not enter thehollow portion 18. Thestage 16 on which the object S is placed is provided inside thehousing 12. Thedoor 14 shown inFIG. 2 is provided openably in thehousing 12, and a user opens thedoor 14, places the object S on thestage 16, and then closes thedoor 14, thereby storing the object S in thehousing 12. Thestage 16 is formed of a material which transmits light from the transmissionlight source unit 26. - The
imaging unit 20 is fixed to the top surface of thehousing 12, includes, for example, an imaging element, such as a cooling charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and detects light reflected by the object S, fluorescence or chemiluminescence emitted from the object S, and light transmitted through the object S to generate an image signal. The image signal generated in theimaging unit 20 is subjected to, for example, amplification processing and is then output to theimaging control device 100. - The
lens unit 22 is attached to theimaging unit 20. Thelens unit 22 includes, for example, a plurality of lenses, and the lenses are provided movably in an arrow Z direction in order to focus on the object S. Thelens unit 22 includes, for example, optical elements, such as a diaphragm and an excitation light cut filter, and adjusts the amount or wavelength of light to be detected. - The epi-illumination
light source unit 24 and the transmissionlight source unit 26 respectively have, for example, an excitation light source and a white light source for fluorescence imaging, and the light sources are switched under the control of theimaging control device 100 as necessary. For example, when performing imaging to detect fluorescence emitted from the fluorescence-labeled object S, the object S is irradiated with excitation light from the epi-illuminationlight source unit 24 or the transmissionlight source unit 26, when performing imaging to detect reflected light from the object S, the object S is irradiated with white light from the epi-illuminationlight source unit 24, and when performing imaging to detect transmitted light transmitted through the object S, the object S is irradiated with white light from the transmissionlight source unit 26. - The object observation monitor 50 displays a state on the
stage 16 which is imaged by a small camera (not shown) provided in the upper portion of thehousing 12. With this, it is possible to confirm the position of the object S placed on thestage 16 or the height of thestage 16, and to adjust the position of the object or the height of the stage such that the object S is placed suitably for imaging. - The
imaging device body 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described above, and can perform imaging by four imaging methods according to the type of object or the purpose of imaging. The four imaging methods include an imaging method (hereinafter, referred to as a first imaging method) which detects chemiluminescence emitted from the object, an imaging method (hereinafter, referred to as a second imaging method) which detects fluorescence emitted from the object, an imaging method (hereinafter, referred to as a third imaging method) which detects reflected light reflected by the object, and an imaging method (hereinafter, referred to as a fourth imaging method) which detects transmitted light transmitted through the object. - In the first imaging method, when an object molecule excited by a chemical reaction returns to a ground state, a phenomenon (chemiluminescence) of energy being discharged as light is used. With this, for example, genetic analysis, inspection and research of a biological tissue relating to diseases and aging, deterioration evaluation of organic compounds and polymer compounds, and the like can be performed. For example, a substance to be imaged in the object is labeled with a labeling substance which generates chemiluminescence if coming into contact with a chemiluminescent substrate, and thereafter, the chemiluminescent substrate is brought into contact with the labeling substance, whereby chemiluminescence can be generated. In the first imaging method, light irradiation from the epi-illumination
light source unit 24 and the transmissionlight source unit 26 is not performed. - In the second imaging method, excitation light from the epi-illumination
light source unit 24 or the transmissionlight source unit 26 is irradiated, and fluorescence from a fluorescent substance labeling a substance to be imaged in the object is detected. As an object for the second imaging method, for example, a gel support including a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) segment fluorescence-labeled and separated by electrophoresis is given. If theimaging device 1 of this embodiment is used, the distribution of the DNA segment in the gel support can be imaged and analyzed. - In the third imaging method, for example, white light is irradiated from the epi-illumination
light source unit 24 as illumination light, and reflected light of illumination light by the object is detected. With this, a digital image can be obtained by photoelectrically reading a reflective original, such as a photograph. In the fourth imaging method, for example, white light is irradiated from the transmissionlight source unit 26 as illumination light, and transmitted light of illumination light transmitted through the object is detected. With this, a digital image can be obtained by photoelectrically reading a transmissive original, such as a film. - The
imaging control device 100 is constituted of, for example, a personal computer, and includes acontrol device body 102, aninput unit 104, and adisplay unit 106. - The
imaging control device 100 controls the operations of theimaging unit 20, the epi-illuminationlight source unit 24, and the transmissionlight source unit 26 of theimaging device body 10 to control the imaging function of the object S described above. Theimaging control device 100 has an analysis function of analyzing an image captured by theimaging unit 20 and a file operation function of a file including an image captured by theimaging unit 20. The analysis function and the file operation function will be described below in detail. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , thecontrol device body 102 includes animage processing unit 108, animage analysis unit 110, afile operation unit 112, aterminal recognition unit 114, and acontrol unit 116. - The
image processing unit 108 receives an image signal output from theimaging unit 20 as input, and subjects the image signal to, for example, signal processing, such as noise elimination processing or sharpness processing. - The
image analysis unit 110 executes the analysis function described above, and analyzes an image of chemiluminescence captured by the first imaging method or an image of fluorescence captured by the second imaging method. - Specifically, the
image analysis unit 110 acquires, for example, an image obtained by imaging chemiluminescence or fluorescence of DNA separated by electrophoresis, RNA (ribonucleic acid), or protein, acquires feature quantities, such as the position of a band in the image, the concentration of the band, and the size of the band, and analyzes the feature quantities. In the case of protein, the molecular weight of protein can be determined by the position of the band, and the expression amount of protein can be determined by the concentration and size of the band. A method of image analysis is not limited thereto, and other known methods can be used. - The
file operation unit 112 executes the file operation function described above, stores a file including an image captured by theimaging unit 20, and performs a file operation of the stored file. - Information of the file stored in the
file operation unit 112 is output to the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 shown inFIG. 1 , and the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 display the input information of the file. The first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 receive an instruction input of a file operation from the user, and each file stored in thefile operation unit 112 is subjected to a file operation based on control information output from the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7. Examples of the file operation include file copy, move, delete, rename, and the like. Hereinafter, the file operation will be described in detail. - The file operation is executed when a “FILE OPERATION” key K3 described below is depressed by the user in the first to sixth
terminal devices 2 to 7. If the file operation function is executed, thecontrol unit 116 of theimaging device 1 acquires information of a file name stored in thefile operation unit 112, and outputs information of the file name to the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7. - The first to sixth
terminal devices 2 to 7 receive information of the file name output from theimaging device 1 and display a file operation screen S0 shown inFIG. 5 based on the received information of the file name. In this embodiment, the file operation screen S0 is displayed on a touch panel 201 (seeFIG. 6 ) of each of theterminal devices 2 to 7 described below. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , on the file operation screen S0, a file name display column FL in which file names are listed and displayed, a “DELETE” key K20 which receives an input of an instruction to delete a file, a “RENAME” key K21 which receives an input of an instruction to change a file name, a “COPY/MOVE” key K22 which receives an input of an instruction to move and copy a file, and an “OPEN” key K23 which receives an input of an instruction to open a file are displayed. - For example, in the file name display column FL, a predetermined file name is selected by the user, and a file operation is performed for the selected file. For example, when the “DELETE” key K20 is depressed by the user, the selected file name and deletion information are output from the first to sixth
terminal devices 2 to 7 to theimaging device 1. Thefile operation unit 112 of theimaging device 1 deletes the selected file according to the input information. - When the “RENAME” key K21 is depressed by the user, an input screen of a new file name is displayed on the
touch panel 201 of each of the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7, and an input of the new file name by the user is received. The new file name input on the input screen is output from the second to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 to theimaging device 1. Thefile operation unit 112 of theimaging device 1 changes the file name of the selected file based on the input new file name. - When the “COPY/MOVE” key K22 is depressed by the user, a movement destination designation screen on which a movement destination of a copied file is designated is displayed on the
touch panel 201 of each of the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7, and the designation of the movement destination by the user is received. The movement destination of the copied file is, for example, a predetermined drive or folder in the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7, a predetermined drive or folder in thenetwork server 8 and thestorage device 9 connected to theimaging device 1, or the like. - If the movement destination of the copied file is designated on the movement destination designation screen by the user, the selected file name and information of the movement destination are output from the first to sixth
terminal devices 2 to 7 to theimaging device 1. Thefile operation unit 112 of theimaging device 1 reads the selected file to create a copy and transfers the copied file to the designated movement destination according to the input information. - When the “OPEN” key K23 is depressed by the user, the selected file name is output from the first to sixth
terminal devices 2 to 7 to theimaging device 1. Thefile operation unit 112 of theimaging device 1 reads the selected file to create a copy and transfers the copied file to the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 according to the input information. Then, the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 open the transferred file and display an image on thetouch panel 201. When a file which has already been transferred to the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 is selected, the transfer described above is not performed, and the selected file is opened. - The
terminal recognition unit 114 recognizes the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 shown inFIG. 1 individually. Specifically, theterminal recognition unit 114 has a wireless communication function, acquires identification information of each terminal device output from each of theterminal devices 2 to 7 through wireless communication, and recognizes the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 individually based on the identification information. As the identification information, a media access control address (MAC address) may be used. Each terminal device may be recognized using a dedicated password or the like. Theterminal recognition unit 114 receives control information output from the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 through wireless communication and outputs the control information to thecontrol unit 116. - The
control unit 116 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and the like. Thecontrol unit 116 integrally controls the operations of theimaging device body 10 and theimaging control device 100. - In particular, the
control unit 116 of this embodiment receives the control information output from the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7, and controls the imaging function of theimaging device body 10 and the image analysis function and the file operation function of theimaging control device 100 based on the received control information. - The
control unit 116 includes anauthorization unit 117. Theauthorization unit 117 gives each of theterminal devices 2 to 7 an authority to specify a function controllable by each of theterminal devices 2 to 7. The function controllable by each of theterminal devices 2 to 7 is limited within the range of the authority given by theauthorization unit 117. The function controllable by each authority will be described below in detail. - The
control unit 116 of this embodiment recognizes the execution states of the above-described imaging function, the analysis function, and the file operation function by each terminal device in real time based on recognition information of each terminal device recognized by theterminal recognition unit 114 and the received control information, and displays the recognition result on thetouch panel 201 of each of theterminal devices 2 to 7. - The
display unit 106 includes, for example, a display device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or a liquid crystal display, and displays an image captured by theimaging unit 20, or the like. Similarly to the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7, thedisplay unit 106 displays file information stored in thefile operation unit 112. - The
input unit 104 includes input devices, such as a mouse and a keyboard. The user performs various settings of the respective units of theimaging device body 10 and theimaging control device 100 using theinput unit 104. - Next, the first to sixth
terminal devices 2 to 7 will be described in detail. The first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 are constituted of, for example, tablet terminals. The first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 receive an operation instruction input of theimaging device 1 from the user and output the control information to theimaging device 1 based on the received operation instruction input. -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7. As shown inFIG. 6 , the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 include thetouch panel 201, an imagingdevice recognition unit 202, and acontrol unit 203. - The
touch panel 201 displays an operation instruction input screen on which an operation instruction input of theimaging device 1 from the user is received, and receives an instruction input of the above-described imaging function, the analysis function, and the file operation function on the operation instruction input screen. The operation instruction input screen will be described below in detail. - The imaging
device recognition unit 202 recognizes theimaging device 1 and outputs control information according to the operation instruction input from the user to theimaging device 1. Specifically, the imagingdevice recognition unit 202 has a wireless communication function, recognizes theimaging device 1 through wireless communication, and outputs the control information. The imagingdevice recognition unit 202 acquires information of the execution state of the imaging function, the analysis function, and the file operation function in theimaging device 1. - The
control unit 203 integrally controls the operation of the terminal device. Thecontrol unit 203 outputs the control information according to the operation instruction input from the user to the imagingdevice recognition unit 202. - The
control unit 203 includes adisplay control unit 204, and thedisplay control unit 204 displays the operation instruction input screen described above on thetouch panel 201. Thedisplay control unit 204 displays the execution state of the function in each of theterminal devices 2 to 7 in theimaging device 1 acquired by the imagingdevice recognition unit 202 on thetouch panel 201 in real time. The display control by thedisplay control unit 204 will be described below in detail. - In this embodiment, although tablet terminals are used as the first to sixth
terminal devices 2 to 7, the invention is not limited thereto, and a personal computer connected through a wireless communication line or a wired communication line, such as a local area network (LAN), may be used. - The
network server 8 is a data server which is designated as a movement destination of a file stored in thefile operation unit 112 of theimaging device 1, and is connected to theimaging device 1 through a wireless communication line or a wired communication line. Thestorage device 9 is also a storage medium which is designated as a movement destination of a file stored in thefile operation unit 112 of theimaging device 1, and is constituted of, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) memory, a USB hard disk, or the like. - Next, the action of the imaging system of this embodiment will be described referring to the drawings. The imaging system of this embodiment has a feature in that each of the
terminal devices 2 to 7 is authorized by theauthorization unit 117, and description will be provided focusing on this feature. - First, in a state where all terminal devices do not control the
imaging device 1, as shown inFIG. 7 , the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 are given a first authority. The state of the authorization in each of theterminal devices 2 to 7 shown inFIG. 7 is hereinafter referred to as a first state. - Here, the first authority is an authority capable of allowing the first to sixth
terminal devices 2 to 7 to exclusively occupy the imaging function of theimaging device 1 and to bring the imaging function into a controllable state. Specifically, an operation instruction input screen S1 shown inFIG. 8 is displayed on thetouch panel 201 of each of the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7. An “IMAGING” key K1 which receives an instruction to execute the imaging function, an “ANALYSIS” key K2 which receives an instruction to execute the analysis function, a “FILE OPERATION” key K3 which receives an instruction to execute the file operation, and a “PRIORITY USE START” key K4 which receives an input of a priority use of the imaging function are displayed on the operation instruction input screen S1. - However, in the first state, the “IMAGING” key K1, the “ANALYSIS” key K2, and the “FILE OPERATION” key K3 are grayed out, and the reception of the operation instruction inputs using these keys is disabled.
- In one terminal device of the first to sixth
terminal devices 2 to 7, if the “PRIORITY USE START” key K4 is depressed by the user (corresponding to a first instruction operation of the invention), the “IMAGING” key K1, the “ANALYSIS” key K2, and the “FILE OPERATION” key K3 of the terminal device are active-displayed, the operation instruction inputs of these functions are enabled, and next, if the “IMAGING” key K1 is depressed by the user, the imaging function of theimaging device 1 is held by the terminal device. - For example, if the “PRIORITY USE START” key K4 and the “IMAGING” key K1 are depressed in the first
terminal device 2, thecontrol unit 203 of the firstterminal device 2 generates control information for controlling the imaging function. Then, the control information for controlling the imaging function and the identification information of the firstterminal device 2 are output from the imagingdevice recognition unit 202 of the firstterminal device 2 to theimaging device 1. - The
imaging device 1 executes the imaging function if the control information of the imaging function output from the firstterminal device 2 is received. - During the execution of the imaging function in the first
terminal device 2, as shown inFIG. 9 , the firstterminal device 2 is given a second authority, the second to fifthterminal devices 3 to 6 are given a third authority, and the sixthterminal device 7 is given a fourth authority. The state of the authorization in each of theterminal devices 2 to 7 shown inFIG. 9 is hereinafter referred to as a second state. - Here, the second authority is an authority capable of exclusively occupying and controlling the imaging function as described above and releasing the occupation. Specifically, an operation instruction input screen S2 shown in
FIG. 10 is displayed on thetouch panel 201 of the firstterminal device 2 given the second authority. On the operation instruction input screen S2, the “IMAGING” key K1 which is being already executed is grayed out, the “ANALYSIS” key K2 and the “FILE OPERATION” key K3 are active-displayed, and the reception of the operation instruction inputs of these keys is enabled. - The “PRIORITY USE START” key K4 is changed to a “PRIORITY USE END” key K6. If the “PRIORITY USE END” key K6 is depressed by the user (corresponding to a second instruction operation of the invention), the occupation of the imaging function in the first
terminal device 2 is released. On the right side of the “IMAGING” key K1, a message of “USER 1 IS USING” indicating that a first user executes the imaging function of theimaging device 1 using the firstterminal device 2 is displayed. This message is displayed based on information of the execution state of the function of theimaging device 1 output from thecontrol unit 116 of theimaging device 1. - The third authority given to the second to fifth
terminal devices 3 to 6 is an authority with the restriction of the control of the imaging function held by the firstterminal device 2. Specifically, an operation instruction input screen S3 shown inFIG. 11 is displayed on thetouch panel 201 of each of the second to fifthterminal devices 3 to 6 given the third authority. On the operation instruction input screen S3, the “IMAGING” key K1 which is being already executed by the firstterminal device 2 is grayed out, the “ANALYSIS” key K2 and the “FILE OPERATION” key K3 are active-displayed, and the reception of the operation instruction inputs of these keys is enabled. Similarly to the firstterminal device 2, on the right side of the “IMAGING” key K1, a message of “USER 1 IS USING” indicating that the first user executes the imaging function of theimaging device 1 using the firstterminal device 2 is displayed. That is, the second to fifthterminal devices 3 to 6 given the third authority cannot execute the imaging function which is being executed by the firstterminal device 2, but can execute the analysis function and the file operation function. In the second to fifthterminal devices 3 to 6, when the “ANALYSIS” key K2 or the “FILE OPERATION” key K3 is depressed by the user, the imaging function in the firstterminal device 2 and the analysis function or the file operation function in the second to fifthterminal devices 3 to 6 are executed in parallel. - However, in the second to fifth
terminal devices 3 to 6 given the third authority, the “PRIORITY USE START” key K4 is not changed to the “PRIORITY USE END” key K6, and is non-displayed. That is, the second to fifthterminal devices 3 to 6 cannot release the occupation of the imaging function in the firstterminal device 2, and cannot receive the operation instruction input of “PRIORITY USE START”. - The fourth authority given to the sixth
terminal device 7 is an authority capable of releasing the occupation state of the imaging function in the firstterminal device 2 given the second authority, in addition to the third authority described above. In this way, the sixthterminal device 7 given the fourth authority is given an authority capable of releasing the occupation state of the imaging function in the firstterminal device 2 other than the sixthterminal device 7, and this is because a case where, for example, in a state where the imaging function is held by the firstterminal device 2, the user of the terminal device forgets to release the occupation is considered. In such a case, since the occupation state of the imaging function in the firstterminal device 2 is continued and the imaging function is unusable by other users, a specific terminal device among a plurality of terminal devices connected to theimaging device 1 is given the fourth authority described above, and the occupation state is forcibly releasable by the specific terminal device. - Specifically, an operation instruction input screen S4 shown in
FIG. 12 is displayed on thetouch panel 201 of the sixthterminal device 7 given the fourth authority. On the operation instruction input screen S4, similarly to the second to fifthterminal devices 2 to 6, the “IMAGING” key K1 which is being already executed by the first terminal device is grayed out, the “ANALYSIS” key K2 and the “FILE OPERATION” key K3 are active-displayed, and the reception of the operation instruction inputs of these keys is enabled. Similarly to the firstterminal device 2, on the right side of the “IMAGING” key K1, a message of “USER 1 IS USING” indicating that the first user executes the imaging function of theimaging device 1 using the firstterminal device 2 is displayed. That is, the sixthterminal device 7 given the fourth authority cannot execute the imaging function which is being executed by the firstterminal device 2, but can execute the analysis function and the file operation function. In the sixthterminal device 7, when the “ANALYSIS” key K2 or the “FILE OPERATION” key K3 is depressed by the user, the imaging function in the firstterminal device 2 and the analysis function or the file operation function in the sixthterminal device 7 are executed in parallel. - In the sixth
terminal device 7 given the fourth authority, similarly to the firstterminal device 2, the “PRIORITY USE START” key K4 is changed to the “PRIORITY USE END” key K6. If the “PRIORITY USE END” key K6 is depressed by the user, the occupation of the imaging function in the firstterminal device 2 is released. - In the second state described above, when the “PRIORITY USE END” key K6 is depressed by the user in the first
terminal device 2 or the “PRIORITY USE END” key K6 is depressed by the user in the sixth terminal device 7 (corresponding to a third instruction operation of the invention), the second state is switched to the first state described above. That is, as shown inFIG. 7 , the second state is switched to a state where the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 are given the first authority, and the occupation of the imaging function in one terminal device among the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 is enabled. - According to the imaging system of the embodiment described above, as described above, since an authority which is given to each terminal device is switched from the first state to the second state, the user of the terminal device given the second authority can execute the imaging function at an appropriate timing without being affected or obstructed by other terminal devices.
- In the terminal device given the second authority, when the occupation state of the imaging function is released, an authority which is given to each terminal device can be returned from the second state to the first state, the users of other terminal devices can exclusively occupy the imaging function and can bring the imaging function into a controllable state quickly, and as a result, the use efficiency of the imaging device can be improved.
- Since the execution state of the imaging function of other terminal devices is displayed in each of the
terminal devices 2 to 7, even at a place where the user of each of theterminal devices 2 to 7 is separated from theimaging device 1, the execution state of the imaging function can be understood immediately, and as a result, the start of the priority use of the imaging function can be performed quickly. Therefore, the use efficiency of the imaging device can be improved. - In the above description, although a case where the first
terminal device 2 exclusively occupies the imaging function has been described, the second to sixthterminal devices 3 to 7 may receive the input of the “PRIORITY USE START” key K4 to exclusively occupy the imaging function. - In the embodiment described above, although the sixth
terminal device 7 is given the first authority in the first state and is given the fourth authority in the second state, as shown inFIG. 13 , a fifth authority may be given in the first state. - The fifth authority is an authority which includes an authority to give the first to fifth
terminal devices 2 to 6 given the first authority a sixth authority to prohibit the use of theimaging device 1, in addition to the first authority. - Specifically, an operation instruction input screen S5 shown in
FIG. 14 is displayed on thetouch panel 201 of the sixthterminal device 7 given the fifth authority. On the operation instruction input screen S5, similarly to the first to fifthterminal devices 2 to 6 in the first state, the “IMAGING” key K1, the “ANALYSIS” key K2, and the “FILE OPERATION” key K3 are grayed out. Then, the “PRIORITY USE START” key K4 and a “USE PROHIBITION” key K5 are displayed. - If the “USE PROHIBITION” key K5 is depressed by the user (corresponding to a fourth instruction operation of the invention), as shown in
FIG. 15 , the first to fifthterminal devices 2 to 6 are given the sixth authority to prohibit the use of theimaging device 1, and the sixthterminal device 7 is given a seventh authority including an authority to release the use prohibition of theimaging device 1 by the first to fifthterminal devices 2 to 6. The state of the authorization in each of theterminal devices 2 to 7 shown inFIG. 15 is hereinafter referred to as a third state. - Specifically, an operation instruction input screen S6 shown in
FIG. 16 is displayed on thetouch panel 201 of each of the first to fifthterminal devices 2 to 6 given the sixth authority. On the operation instruction input screen S6, the “IMAGING” key K1, the “ANALYSIS” key K2, and the “FILE OPERATION” key K3 are grayed out, and the “PRIORITY USE START” key K4 is not displayed. However, on the operation instruction input screen S6, information of the execution state of the imaging function of the sixthterminal device 7 is displayed. That is, for example, when the imaging function of theimaging device 1 is executed by the sixthterminal device 7, on the right side of the “IMAGING” key K1, a message of “USER 6 IS USING” indicating that a sixth user executes the imaging function of theimaging device 1 using the sixthterminal device 7 is displayed. - An operation instruction input screen S7 shown in
FIG. 17 is displayed on thetouch panel 201 of the sixthterminal device 7 given the seventh authority. On the operation instruction input screen S7, the “IMAGING” key K1, the “ANALYSIS” key K2, and the “FILE OPERATION” key K3 become active, and the operation instruction inputs of these keys are enabled. The “USE PROHIBITION” key K5 is changed to a “USE PROHIBITION RELEASE” key K7, and the “PRIORITY USE START” key K4 is non-displayed. - If the “USE PROHIBITION RELEASE” key K7 is depressed by the user in the sixth terminal device 7 (corresponding to a fifth instruction operation of the invention), the use prohibition of the
imaging device 1 by the first to fifthterminal devices 2 to 6 is released, and an authority given to the first to sixthterminal devices 2 to 7 is switched to the first state described above. - In the description of the embodiment described above, although a case where the functions of one
imaging device 1 are controlled by a plurality of terminal devices has been described, the number ofimaging devices 1 may not necessarily be one, and the functions of a plurality of imaging devices may be controlled by a plurality of terminal devices. In this case, for example, as shown inFIG. 18 , an imaging deviceinformation storage unit 205 which stores registration information of a plurality of imaging devices may be provided in each terminal device, and an imagingdevice recognition unit 202 may recognize a plurality of imaging devices based on the registration information. The control of the functions of each imaging device by a plurality of terminal devices is the same as in the embodiment described above. -
FIG. 19 shows an example of an operation instruction input screen S8 which is displayed on each terminal device when there are a plurality of imaging devices. The operation instruction input screen S8 shown inFIG. 19 is an example when there are four imaging devices, and four tags T1 to T4 for receiving operation instruction inputs of respective functions of respective imaging devices are displayed. -
FIG. 19 shows an operation instruction input screen when the tag T1 is selected, and on the operation instruction input screen, an operation instruction input of each function of a first imaging device is received.FIG. 19 shows an operation instruction input screen when an authority given to each terminal device by the first imaging device is the first state described above. When the tag T2 is selected, the operation instruction input screen is changed, and an operation instruction input of each function of a second imaging device is received. In this way, the user can select an imaging device to be controlled by selecting the tags T1 to T4. - When there are a plurality of imaging devices, execution information of each function in each imaging device may be listed and displayed in each imaging device.
FIG. 20 shows an example of a list display screen S9 when there are five imaging devices. On the list display screen S9, imaging device selection keys K10 to K14 are displayed, and execution information of each function of each imaging device is displayed below each key. For example, execution information indicating that an imaging function and a file operation function in a first imaging device are being executed is displayed below the imaging device selection key K10, and execution information indicating that only an imaging function in a second imaging device is being executed is displayed below the below imaging device selection key K11. For example, when each of the imaging device selection keys K10 to K14 is depressed by the user, an operation instruction input screen of an imaging device corresponding to the imaging device selection key is displayed, execution information of the imaging device is displayed, and an operation instruction input from the user is enabled. As a plurality of imaging devices, imaging devices of different types may be used.
Claims (20)
1. An imaging system comprising:
an imaging device which photoelectrically reads fluorescence or chemiluminescence emitted from an object to image the object;
a plurality of terminal devices which output control information for controlling the imaging device to the imaging device; and
an authorization unit which gives the respective terminal devices an authority to specify controllable functions of the imaging device,
wherein the authorization unit switches between
a first state where the respective terminal devices are given a first authority to exclusively occupy a part of functions of the imaging device and to bring the part of functions into a controllable state; and
a second state where one terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices is given a second authority to exclusively occupy and control the part of functions and to release the occupation, and the terminal devices other than one terminal device are given a third authority with the restriction of the control of the part of functions.
2. The imaging system according to claim 1 ,
wherein the first authority includes an authority capable of receiving a first instruction operation to exclusively occupy a part of functions of the imaging device and to bring the part of functions into a controllable state, and
the authorization unit switches from the first state to the second state when receiving the first instruction operation.
3. The imaging system according to claim 2 ,
wherein the third authority does not include an authority capable of receiving the first instruction operation.
4. The imaging system according to claim 1 ,
wherein the second authority includes an authority capable of receiving a second instruction operation to release the occupation of the part of functions, and
the authorization unit switches from the second state to the first state when receiving the second instruction operation.
5. The imaging system according to claim 2 ,
wherein the second authority includes an authority capable of receiving a second instruction operation to release the occupation of the part of functions, and
the authorization unit switches from the second state to the first state when receiving the second instruction operation.
6. The imaging system according to claim 3 ,
wherein the second authority includes an authority capable of receiving a second instruction operation to release the occupation of the part of functions, and
the authorization unit switches from the second state to the first state when receiving the second instruction operation.
7. The imaging system according to claim 1 ,
wherein the part of functions is a function of imaging.
8. The imaging system according to claim 2 ,
wherein the part of functions is a function of imaging.
9. The imaging system according to claim 3 ,
wherein the part of functions is a function of imaging.
10. The imaging system according to claim 4 ,
wherein the part of functions is a function of imaging.
11. The imaging system according to claim 5 ,
wherein the part of functions is a function of imaging.
12. The imaging system according to claim 1 ,
wherein the authorization unit gives a specific terminal device other than terminal devices given the second authority a fourth authority including an authority to release the occupation of the part of functions by the terminal device given the second authority in the second state.
13. The imaging system according to claim 12 ,
wherein the fourth authority includes an authority capable of receiving a third instruction operation to release the occupation of the part of functions, and
the authorization unit switches from the second state to the first state when receiving the third instruction operation.
14. The imaging system according to claim 12 ,
wherein the authorization unit gives the specific terminal device a fifth authority in the first state, and
the fifth authority includes an authority to give the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device a sixth authority with the restriction of controllable functions further than the third authority.
15. The imaging system according to claim 14 ,
wherein the fifth authority includes an authority capable of receiving a fourth instruction operation to give the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device the sixth authority, and
the authorization unit switches to a third state where the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device are given the sixth authority when receiving the fourth instruction operation in the first state.
16. The imaging system according to claim 14 ,
wherein the authorization unit gives the specific terminal device a seventh authority in the third state, and
the seventh authority includes an authority to release the restriction of the controllable functions in the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
17. The imaging system according to claim 14 ,
wherein the fifth authority includes an authority capable of receiving a fifth instruction operation to release the restriction of the controllable functions in the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device, and
the authorization unit gives the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device the first authority when receiving the fifth instruction operation in the third state.
18. The imaging system according to claim 14 ,
wherein the fifth authority includes an authority to prohibit the control of the imaging device by the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
19. The imaging system according to claim 15 ,
wherein the fourth instruction operation is an instruction operation to prohibit the control of the imaging device by the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
20. The imaging system according to claim 17 ,
wherein the fifth instruction operation is an instruction operation to release the prohibition of the control of the imaging device by the terminal devices other than the specific terminal device.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2014241018A JP2016102714A (en) | 2014-11-28 | 2014-11-28 | Imaging system |
JP2014-241018 | 2014-11-28 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160153889A1 true US20160153889A1 (en) | 2016-06-02 |
US9546947B2 US9546947B2 (en) | 2017-01-17 |
Family
ID=55027224
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/947,058 Active US9546947B2 (en) | 2014-11-28 | 2015-11-20 | Imaging system |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9546947B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3026427A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2016102714A (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2024023372A1 (en) * | 2022-07-28 | 2024-02-01 | Biothink Technologies, S.L. | Actuator device and system for clinical analysis using analytical chips |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030036860A1 (en) * | 2001-06-20 | 2003-02-20 | Xenogen Corporation | Absolute intensity determination for a light source in low level light imaging systems |
US20050051723A1 (en) * | 2003-07-23 | 2005-03-10 | Neagle Bradley D. | Examination systems for biological samples |
US20080103390A1 (en) * | 2006-10-23 | 2008-05-01 | Xenogen Corporation | Apparatus and methods for fluorescence guided surgery |
US20100169423A1 (en) * | 2007-09-06 | 2010-07-01 | Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc. | Radiographic image capturing system |
US20100315502A1 (en) * | 2009-06-16 | 2010-12-16 | Ikonisys, Inc. | System and method for remote control of a microscope |
US20150125961A1 (en) * | 2013-10-07 | 2015-05-07 | Eppendorf Ag | Acces control device for a laboratory instrument, laboratory instrument with access control device and method for instrument-controlled treatment of laboratory samples |
Family Cites Families (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060242276A1 (en) * | 2001-02-16 | 2006-10-26 | Lumenare Networks | System and method for remotely configuring testing laboratories |
JP2002374268A (en) * | 2001-06-13 | 2002-12-26 | Kenwood Corp | Network system, network equipment, exclusive control method and program |
EP1345026B1 (en) * | 2002-03-15 | 2010-05-05 | Affymetrix, Inc. | System and method for scanning of biological materials |
JP2004021554A (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2004-01-22 | Canon Inc | Image input-output device, and control method thereof |
JP2005144779A (en) * | 2003-11-13 | 2005-06-09 | Oki Data Corp | Image forming apparatus |
JP4840241B2 (en) * | 2007-04-23 | 2011-12-21 | 株式会社島津製作所 | Analytical instrument controller |
JP2009199194A (en) * | 2008-02-20 | 2009-09-03 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | System for managing use of semiconductor device analysis apparatus, and semiconductor device analysis apparatus with use management function |
KR101684970B1 (en) * | 2010-08-18 | 2016-12-09 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same |
JP5496976B2 (en) * | 2011-09-21 | 2014-05-21 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | Imaging apparatus, imaging program, and imaging method |
JP5474020B2 (en) * | 2011-09-29 | 2014-04-16 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | Imaging apparatus, imaging program, and imaging method |
JP5899991B2 (en) | 2012-02-09 | 2016-04-06 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Image forming apparatus, job instruction apparatus, job processing system, and program |
JP6034073B2 (en) | 2012-07-03 | 2016-11-30 | 株式会社Screenホールディングス | Image analysis apparatus and image analysis method |
JP2014044046A (en) * | 2012-08-24 | 2014-03-13 | Hitachi High-Technologies Corp | Analysis device using tablet terminal |
-
2014
- 2014-11-28 JP JP2014241018A patent/JP2016102714A/en not_active Abandoned
-
2015
- 2015-11-12 EP EP15194241.4A patent/EP3026427A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2015-11-20 US US14/947,058 patent/US9546947B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030036860A1 (en) * | 2001-06-20 | 2003-02-20 | Xenogen Corporation | Absolute intensity determination for a light source in low level light imaging systems |
US20050051723A1 (en) * | 2003-07-23 | 2005-03-10 | Neagle Bradley D. | Examination systems for biological samples |
US20080103390A1 (en) * | 2006-10-23 | 2008-05-01 | Xenogen Corporation | Apparatus and methods for fluorescence guided surgery |
US20100169423A1 (en) * | 2007-09-06 | 2010-07-01 | Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc. | Radiographic image capturing system |
US20100315502A1 (en) * | 2009-06-16 | 2010-12-16 | Ikonisys, Inc. | System and method for remote control of a microscope |
US20150125961A1 (en) * | 2013-10-07 | 2015-05-07 | Eppendorf Ag | Acces control device for a laboratory instrument, laboratory instrument with access control device and method for instrument-controlled treatment of laboratory samples |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2024023372A1 (en) * | 2022-07-28 | 2024-02-01 | Biothink Technologies, S.L. | Actuator device and system for clinical analysis using analytical chips |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2016102714A (en) | 2016-06-02 |
US9546947B2 (en) | 2017-01-17 |
EP3026427A1 (en) | 2016-06-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10402615B2 (en) | User interface facilitating specification of a desired data format for an indicia reading apparatus | |
US11313785B2 (en) | System and method for the automated analysis of cellular assays and tissues | |
JP6889009B2 (en) | Image acquisition system and image acquisition method | |
US9338408B2 (en) | Image obtaining apparatus, image obtaining method, and image obtaining program | |
Garty et al. | An automated imaging system for radiation biodosimetry | |
EP3062147B1 (en) | Photographing device and method | |
US10921335B2 (en) | Safety light curtain to disable carousel rotation | |
US9384192B2 (en) | Systems and methods for tracking a slide using a composite barcode label | |
US9546947B2 (en) | Imaging system | |
US11656446B2 (en) | Digital pathology scanning interface and workflow | |
US10341536B2 (en) | Imaging device, control method therefor, and imaging system | |
Janchaysang et al. | Tunable filter-based multispectral imaging for detection of blood stains on construction material substrates part 2: realization of rapid blood stain detection | |
Frahm et al. | Molecular contribution function in RESOLFT nanoscopy | |
Abtahi et al. | A Simple Method for Creating a High‐Content Microscope for Imaging Multiplexed Tissue Microarrays | |
US20200184167A1 (en) | Workflow optimized slide scanning | |
US10437528B2 (en) | Content management system, content management method, and recording medium | |
Lam et al. | Whole-slide imaging for esophageal adenocarcinoma | |
US11574038B2 (en) | Microscope system, access-control assistance method, and computer readable medium | |
AU2018374385A1 (en) | Impulse rescan system | |
US20230175963A1 (en) | Method of analyzing a mixed fluorescence response of a plurality of fluorophores, fluorescence analyzer, fluorescence microscope and computer program | |
US8963105B2 (en) | Image obtaining apparatus, image obtaining method, and image obtaining program | |
JP4034288B2 (en) | Imaging control apparatus and program | |
Dale | Life through a lens: Matthew Dale discovers embedded processing and new CMOS technology are bringing advances to medical and life science imaging | |
CN115910293A (en) | Remote interpretation help seeking method and system, image analysis device and sample analysis system | |
JP6184919B2 (en) | Imaging apparatus and method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FUJIFILM CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KOBAYASHI, TAKASHI;OHTA, YASUNORI;TANAKA, YASUTAKE;SIGNING DATES FROM 20151001 TO 20151003;REEL/FRAME:037117/0329 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |